President William Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, touched down at Beijing International Airport on Monday morning for a high-level three-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China.
He was warmly received by Chinese Minister of Transportation Liu Wei, marking the official start of a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
“This visit is not just symbolic it is a bold step towards elevating our partnership with China to the next level,” President Ruto said upon arrival.
During his visit, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The discussions will focus on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and infrastructure development, areas that have seen significant growth since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in 2017.
“Our engagement with China has always been rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations,” President Ruto stated.
“We are here to explore new opportunities that will uplift the lives of our people and reinforce our role as a strategic partner in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative.”
In a landmark moment for Kenya’s agricultural sector, President Ruto will officially open the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province, one of China’s most prominent tea regions.
The facility is expected to enhance the visibility of Kenyan tea in the Asian market, promote exports, and offer critical support to smallholder farmers back home.
“This Centre represents more than just trade; it’s a gateway to new markets for our farmers and a signal of Kenya’s expanding global footprint,” he said.
The visit will also see the Kenyan Head of State deliver a keynote address at the prestigious Peking University.
In his speech, he is expected to articulate Africa’s vision for inclusive economic growth, transformative leadership, and enhanced South-South cooperation.
“Our message to the world is clear Africa is ready, willing, and able to lead global conversations on development and opportunity,” Ruto will tell students and scholars at the university.
The three-day mission underscores Kenya’s growing diplomatic and economic ties with China, as both nations continue to deepen cooperation across various sectors including energy, technology, manufacturing, and education.
